Loved loved loved following the adventures of Phil and her '"family" in adventures around New York. We are introduced to several new characters who would be interesting to read about further, including a spunky woman news reporter. The mystery was intriguing, and definitely had several twists and turns that I did not see coming. I cannot wait to continue reading about Phil, Preswick, Lily, Mr. X, and Detective Atkins.

This was quite a fun read. I hadn’t read the first two in this series, but I was able to understand what just have come before without feeling too left out. This book follows Phil, Lady Dunbridge, as she attempts to solve a murder mystery that involves the newspaper and real estate worlds of New York City. Set right before the fist NYE ball drop, the backdrop and detail afforded by this story is engaging. Phil’s servants turned family Lily and Preswick are excellent detecting companions, and the rest of the cast of characters are as equally well done. The additional mystery of Mr. X is a good one as well, and draws the reader in on another level. I recommend this if you want a quick but immersive read. I will likely read the next in the series if I come across it!

Thanks, Netgalley, for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crime thrillers and historical fiction fascinate me, so when they're thrown together... boy, I'm a happy reader. This novel promises Miss Fisher vibes, one of my favorite TV series, and I'm glad that it captured the atmosphere of the Gilded Era: the fashion, the balls, the mannerisms of high society people.

I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I was able to catch up with its key players: of course, Dowager Countess Phil, her butler Preswick, her maid Lily, the dashing Detective Sergeant Atkins, and the mysterious Mr. X. This time, they are investigating the death off journalist Tommy Green, and why his death was covered up.

It was an intriguing case, with a lot of characters involved. But the manner of the investigation dragged on, focusing more on characters chatting on theories and backgrounds of potential suspects rather than acting upon it. There was little action with the investigation, and I wished for more, though the climax somehow redeemed the lukewarm story. I didn't see Mr. X's relevance in this novel and thought that the novel could still stand on its own without him, but I guess he's got a bigger purpose in the coming cases.

Overall, it is a delightful reading experience. Holiday season in 1907 New York was a perfect backdrop for the story, and I love that I was transported to that time.

I want to experience the Gilded Ages of the USA - but since I cannot this book is the perfect one to transport me back to that time period. I had t read the other books in the series but I was able to follow along with the story fairly well. Highly enjoyed this one!

A solid mystery and a fun seasonal read for Downton Abbey fans. I enjoyed the historical setting: New York in 1907, just before the ball will be dropped on New Year's Eve in Times Square for the first time. I did find the main character mildly annoying at times, and I also felt like her mysterious "employer", Mr. X, was an unneeded distraction, although perhaps I'd feel differently if I'd read the first volumes in the series. This falls in a middle category for me: while I won't run out and read all of the others in the series, I'll definitely pick up any that cross my path in the future, if for no other reason than for the intriguing period details Noble weaves into her story.
Review based on a prepub copy received through NetGalley.