Death Among the Diamonds is the first book in the new Cressida Fawcett Mystery series by Fliss Chester. This charming historical cozy mystery is set in 1920s London, and is a perfect series starter.
Title: Death Among the Diamonds
Author: Fliss Chester
Series: Cressida Fawcett Mystery #1
First Published: September 21, 2022
Publisher: Bookouture
Genres: Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher
*** Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. ***
Everyone in 1920s London knows the Honourable Cressida Fawcett: fiercely independent (though never apart from her little pug Ruby), lover of martinis and interior designer extraordinaire. She’s solved many crimes of fashion… so how about murder?
Cressida Fawcett is heading to the English countryside for a weekend of cocktails and partying at her friend’s glamorous mansion, the location of a recent diamond heist. But just hours after her arrival, Cressida is woken by an almighty scream. Rushing to the landing, she looks down into the great hall to find a trembling maid standing next to the body of Harry, the friendly young chandelier cleaner.
Everyone believes Harry’s death was an accident. But as Cressida examines the opulent hall and the beautiful grounds, she thinks something darker is afoot. Why clean a chandelier in the early hours of the morning? And who overheard Harry boasting about coming into unexpected wealth? A small piece of torn silk found near the body has Cressida looking at the guests’ elegant clothes with fresh eyes…
The short-tempered Detective insists that she keeps her curious nose out of the investigation, but it’s Cressida who realises the stolen diamonds were hidden in the sparkling chandelier. Convinced there is a connection between the theft and the murder, the case takes a sinister turn when a guest is killed in his sleep after a brandy-fuelled night of cards. With everyone unable to leave, can Cressida’s sharp eye for detail catch the killer before another life is taken?
Purchase links: AMAZON
Listen to a sample of the audiobook here: SoundCloud
A charming cozy mystery with a wonderful protagonist
What a charming start to a new series! I absolutely loved diving into a 1920s London-based mystery and the writing here really transported me firmly into the time frame. Series-starting books have the daunting task of introducing a completely new setting and cast of characters to its audience without being overwhelming and Death Among the Diamonds never felt like an information overload. I really enjoyed meeting all the characters (there was a lot!), including Cressida’s friend Lady Dorothy, and Scotland Yard DCI Andrews.
But the main star of the show/book is definitely Cressida. She is independent and loyal, persistent and smart. She walks that fine line of being a “modern woman” in a society that is still very much influenced by strict moral rules and class-hierarchy. It’s an interesting balance and she does it admirably.
The mystery surrounding the robbery and murder(s) was really enjoyable to read. There were lots of twists and turns, plenty of suspects, and all the red herrings you could dream of. It was incredibly fun to try and work out – I gave up after awhile and just enjoyed the ride. I did not want this book to end and I can’t wait for more adventures with Cressida!
About the Author, Fliss Chester
Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.
You can connect with Fliss Chester online here:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | BOOKOUTURE PAGE
Quote from Death Among the Diamonds
