Etiquette for lovers and killers by Anna Fitzgerald

Billie McCadie is living a quiet life in 1964 Eastport, Maine. She works in a tiny clothing alterations shop, and borrows crime romance novels from the local library for some excitement - she's basically being bored to death. After the death of her parents, she's living with her grandparents for a time, even though she's old enough to be considered an 'old maid'. Her mother always taught her good manners, and so she lives life by these manners, until one day she receives a cryptic love letter and engagement ring - addressed to 'Gertrude'. Then she meets one of the summer visitors, a yacht-club member, the handsome Avery Webster, and starts participating in high society events - where she meets Gertrude and is the last person to see her alive... and the first to see her dead... Life then becomes a mix of cocktails, stalking, champagne secrets, more dead bodies and a whole heap of suspects and secrets. 

Anna Fitzgerald Healy has written an interesting historical murder mystery with occasional footnotes (definitions on particular words, often humorous), that is evenly paced, packed with interesting characters and plenty of witty banter. Set in the 1960s, the story references events throughout the book that were big or relevant at the time, and plenty of references to fashion at the time. Perfect for readers who are keen fans of the 1960s, or those who would like to reminisce, and a good cosy mystery for those who enjoy the genre.

Themes: Historical, Crime, Murder Mystery, Maine, High-Society, Secrets, Deception, Cosy Mystery.

Melanie Pages