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littletaiko's review against another edition
2.0
The first book in the Lady Dunbridge does show some potential as the characters are overall fun and there is definitely more to explore. However as a mystery it fell flat. Lady Dunbridge is a slightly scandalous widow who has moved to New York to visit her equally scandalous friend. When the friend's husband is murdered pretty much in front of them, they start trying to figure out why he was killed. If only they had spent more time actually thinking about the crime instead of the numerous conversations about how scandalous they are or could be. The solution was so obvious about halfway through the book that I then spent the rest of the book wondering when on earth she was going to put it all together.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
3.0
In the wake of her elderly husband's death, Lady Philomena Dunbridge is determined to make a new life across the Atlantic. But just as she arrives in Manhattan, her best friend Bev's husband is murdered. To make matters worse, Bev is a prime suspect in the case. Unless the matter is solved, Phil(omena) will never be able to get out into American society and make her mark.
For a lady of Philomena's spirit, this will not do at all. Aided by her loyal butler Preswick and exotic lady's maid Lily, Phil dives straight into the investigation, exploring the shady world of horse racing, gambling, and racketeering. Along the way, she encounters the handsome Detective Atkins, a suave Austrian diplomat, and the mysterious Mr. X. A few tips from a Sherlock Holmes story point her in the right direction, and will Phil's wits and vivacity be enough to foil a villainous plot and put the right people in jail?
This book is the first of a new series that has been compared by some reviewers to Downton Abbey. The breezy style took a while to capture my attention, but the lives of the dissolute upper class did have a certain air of D.A. about it. Lady Dunbridge, her butler, and her lady's maid all had dozens of hints dropped about their backstories that were never fully fleshed out, which made me wonder if I was in fact in a later book of a series, not the first one. About two-thirds of the way through, the story picked up steam, and I found myself racing to the end to find the solution to the mystery, and hoping even more fervently, to find out the identity of the mysterious Mr. X. While not extremely deep in character development nor overwhelmingly suspenseful with its clues, this book was a fun read, and I would happily read more titles in this series.
For a lady of Philomena's spirit, this will not do at all. Aided by her loyal butler Preswick and exotic lady's maid Lily, Phil dives straight into the investigation, exploring the shady world of horse racing, gambling, and racketeering. Along the way, she encounters the handsome Detective Atkins, a suave Austrian diplomat, and the mysterious Mr. X. A few tips from a Sherlock Holmes story point her in the right direction, and will Phil's wits and vivacity be enough to foil a villainous plot and put the right people in jail?
This book is the first of a new series that has been compared by some reviewers to Downton Abbey. The breezy style took a while to capture my attention, but the lives of the dissolute upper class did have a certain air of D.A. about it. Lady Dunbridge, her butler, and her lady's maid all had dozens of hints dropped about their backstories that were never fully fleshed out, which made me wonder if I was in fact in a later book of a series, not the first one. About two-thirds of the way through, the story picked up steam, and I found myself racing to the end to find the solution to the mystery, and hoping even more fervently, to find out the identity of the mysterious Mr. X. While not extremely deep in character development nor overwhelmingly suspenseful with its clues, this book was a fun read, and I would happily read more titles in this series.
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
ASK ME NO QUESTIONS by Shelley Noble
The First Lady Dunbridge Mystery
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is no stranger to scandal, after all it's scandal that led her to America, but being embroiled in a murder is not the best way to gain entry to Manhattan's high society. Nonetheless, Phil is determined to stick by her schoolgirl pal and hostess, Bev, after Bev's husband is shot to death. Working around an angry detective, a corrupt police force, and a mystery man, Phil will find out just who killed Reggie and why.
The first Lady Dunbridge novel is a delight. The author provides an earthier feel to high society in 1907. Not everything is prim and proper. Drinks flow freely and corruption abounds. Women have minds as well as sexual desires which are acted upon. Affairs, flings, and mistresses are talked about, good looking men are appraised, and racy innuendos abound. I love this fresh, more realistic look of the world.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is a fantastic new heroine I'd love to call friend. After a miserable forced marriage and the untenable, yet requisite, mourning period Lady Philomena is determined to make a life of her own, abiding by her own standards, and not to be under the thumb of any man. She has a great team with her as well. Preswick, her devoted butler, and her new maid, Lily, are more than "just servants". Each brims with their own history, richly developed with hints to their pasts slowly revealed. I can't wait to learn more about them.
In addition to rich characterization and detailed period setting, there's a good mystery too. The mystery is deftly plotted with plenty of clues allowing the reader to work out the mystery along with Phil. Adventure, a hint of romantic sizzle, and a few laughs round out this great first book in what I hope will be a long running series.
ASK ME NO QUESTIONS combines British aristocracy, New York High Society, and modern sensibilities in a fun, saucy mystery.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Lady Dunbridge Mystery
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is no stranger to scandal, after all it's scandal that led her to America, but being embroiled in a murder is not the best way to gain entry to Manhattan's high society. Nonetheless, Phil is determined to stick by her schoolgirl pal and hostess, Bev, after Bev's husband is shot to death. Working around an angry detective, a corrupt police force, and a mystery man, Phil will find out just who killed Reggie and why.
The first Lady Dunbridge novel is a delight. The author provides an earthier feel to high society in 1907. Not everything is prim and proper. Drinks flow freely and corruption abounds. Women have minds as well as sexual desires which are acted upon. Affairs, flings, and mistresses are talked about, good looking men are appraised, and racy innuendos abound. I love this fresh, more realistic look of the world.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is a fantastic new heroine I'd love to call friend. After a miserable forced marriage and the untenable, yet requisite, mourning period Lady Philomena is determined to make a life of her own, abiding by her own standards, and not to be under the thumb of any man. She has a great team with her as well. Preswick, her devoted butler, and her new maid, Lily, are more than "just servants". Each brims with their own history, richly developed with hints to their pasts slowly revealed. I can't wait to learn more about them.
In addition to rich characterization and detailed period setting, there's a good mystery too. The mystery is deftly plotted with plenty of clues allowing the reader to work out the mystery along with Phil. Adventure, a hint of romantic sizzle, and a few laughs round out this great first book in what I hope will be a long running series.
ASK ME NO QUESTIONS combines British aristocracy, New York High Society, and modern sensibilities in a fun, saucy mystery.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
nevclue's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The mystery meandered. The characters, particularly the secondary ones, weren't as developed as I would have liked, nor the dialogue as snappy. That said, I did appreciate that Lady Dunbridge and her social circle were completely matter-of-fact in regards to affairs, both by husbands and wives. Don't know that I'll read the next one.
princessbilbo's review against another edition
3.0
An okay mystery with interesting characters, but it didn't grip me like I wanted. It has everything I enjoy but this just wasn't it for me.
brogansbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
tjazz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
tpasta's review against another edition
I found both the narrator and her best friend to be extremely annoying