The third book in the Cleopatra Fox mysteries by C.J. Archer, published in 2021, is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. It is ideal for readers of historical cozy mysteries filled with scandals, secrets, and murder.

Archer sets the book in February 1900 in London, where Cleopatra Fox must untangle lies, navigate secrets, unearth racy photographs, and find a murderer while keeping the peace with her uncle.

Cleopatra’s uncle has made it clear he doesn’t want her associating with Harry Armitage. He also disapproves of Cleo’s friendship with the hotel staff because his family shouldn’t socialize with them. Cleo disagrees with his view and keeps sneaking around to see her friends, including Harry, when he passes on cases he doesn’t want. These are cases where husbands or a wife want proof of adultery for a divorce. Cleo takes the job, hoping to prove to Mr. Armitage that she would make the perfect partner. Mr. Warrington, a prominent politician, is the only client willing to take a chance on a female detective. When Mrs. Warrington’s lady’s maid finds her body with her throat cut, Cleo’s investigation shifts from adultery to murder. She must consider everyone a suspect: the wife’s lover, her husband, the husband’s lover, even the butler. No one is above suspicion.

As Cleo eliminates suspect after suspect, she finds herself wading through a web of secrets and lies before reaching the truth. Rebukes from her uncle about her comings and goings reach a boiling point. Archer stayed true to the era, though readers might find it strange today that women didn’t have the liberty to go out at all hours, and women of high society weren’t supposed to mix with lower classes or work.

To redeem herself in her uncle’s eye, Cleo takes an interest in the Hotel’s expansion plans, which her cousin Floyd resents since his father constantly reminds him of his lack of interest in the business. Cleo finds she can’t placate them all: her aunt Lilian, who tries to marry her off; her cousin Flossy, who finds her excuses flimsy; Floyd’s annoyance; and her uncle’s disapproval of her acquaintances. What if they knew she spent her time solving murders? Cleo hopes they never discover her secret, especially her uncle.

Archer is adamant that the family must not find out, yet almost every member of the staff knows about her investigations and openly discusses them. Still, the book is entertaining, providing a sleuthing, adventurous 3-star read.