A Gilded Death

 Escape into a world back in time to the Gilded Age past of Newport high society where Mrs. Astor's annual ball is the place to see and be seen. In the summer at a formal dinner, Val Devere's best friend Cassie confides her rich aunt's heart attack last winter at Mrs. Astor's is rumored to be murder. Soon after, the rich aunt's daughter dies just as mysteriously as she lived, leaving Cassie as the sole heir and possibly next on the murderer's list. Val and her husband, Roddy, are dedicated to keeping Cassie and her children safe as they stumble upon clues to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

A Gilded Death is a puzzling tale with rich (literally!) characters that slowly become under suspicion of Val and Roddy. Cecelia Tichi weaves a fictional story with such historical accuracy that I surprisingly found my own relatives names amongst it’s pages. You will find yourself not only trying to put the pieces together of whodunit but also wanting to try out the  beverage recipes provided that Roddy comes up with in the novel.

This book is ideal for a women's (or feminists) book club, covering topics such as etiquette and women's suffrage; and the readers will love Val's unconventional Western ways in contrast to the stuffy high society of Newport. They will also fall in love with Roddy who is always supportive of Val and her causes. You could even serve up his beverages at book club meetings! Most importantly, this book is about friendship and the need of them when family dramas arise. I would recommend this book for history buffs, mystery lovers, feminists, preppies, and anyone who likes to solve puzzles. This is the first book in the Val and Roddy Devere Mystery series and I am looking forward to reading the next installments that continue their adventures.

I suggest reading this book at night by the fire with one of Roddy's concoctions in hand. Be sure to have your favorite furry reading companion close by as the lovely Boston terrier Velvet will steal your heart away. You could have some tea cakes handy but I would avoid anything with cocoa...just in case...