
“Thank God!” said Hugo on a loud sighing exhalation of breath. “Thank me, if you please,” replied Lady Amanda, already pulling a suitcase from the top of the wardrobe.
Strangeways to Oldham is the name of a cocktail, and the title of this cozy mystery featuring the strong-willed Lady Amanda, who is not what one might expect from a member of upper society past the retirement age. She is straightforward, bossy and spirited, and absolutely refuses to slow down just because she isn’t exactly young anymore.
When she learns of the suspicious death of an acquaintance, she launches herself into vigorous amateur sleuthing, helped by her unflappable manservant Beauchamp, her old friend Hugo Cholmondley-Chrichton-Crump and the fortifying nature of a daily afternoon cocktail.
A fun, light-hearted, contemporary cozy mystery with a golden age feel despite being set in an age of cellphones. Lady Amanda is an absolute gem for readers who enjoy strong-minded, independent female main characters who blunder and banter their way through a highly character-driven mystery.
If you don’t like bossy main characters, this isn’t one for you. But if you enjoy stories featuring lightly flawed, eccentric, unconventional sleuths who follow no rules but the commands of their own hearts and minds, you should definitely consider reading this one.
Cozy mystery – Elder sleuths
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