Murder at Millar's Hotel: Lady Ellen Investigates, Book
By Kelly Mason
It’s 1924. Lady Ellen of Ashcombe Hall is on a relaxing hotel break to recuperate. Her nemesis is found dead in the restaurant, face down in his pea and ham soup. Can she confront her past to solve the mystery?
Lady Ellen seeks respite in the charming seaside town of Branden Bay, whilst her home, which was used as a convalescent home for war veterans, is being refurbished to its former glory. Her peaceful break takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her arch-nemesis, the enigmatic Major Albert Coltrane. Major Coltrane is found lifeless, his face submerged in his own soup after a heated and public confrontation with Ellen who finds herself accused of murder.
Determined to clear her name, she forms an unlikely alliance with Lottie Penny a hotel chamber maid and Captain Ernest Hamilton, a former patient at her convalescent home.
With her faithful Irish setter, Prince, by her side, Lady Ellen embarks on a riveting journey through hidden alley bars and the opulent music hall of Branden Bay. They strive to unravel the threads of the mystery, in race against time to expose the real killer before Lady Ellen becomes the next victim.
If you love the glitz and glamour of the era and a twisty plot, then step back in time to the roaring 1920s, where jazz-filled evenings and clandestine secrets collide. Murder at Millar’s Hotel is the first book in the Lady Ellen Investigates series.
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Murder at Millar’s Hotel: Lady Ellen Investigates is an absolute delight from start to finish, earning a full five stars for its charming blend of mystery, wit, and elegance. Kelly Mason crafts a wonderfully atmospheric tale, placing listeners squarely in the middle of a stylish yet shadowy hotel where secrets drift through every corridor. From the very first chapter, the story grips your attention and refuses to let go, balancing intrigue with a classic whodunit charm that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
Lady Ellen herself is a standout—sharp, intuitive, and endlessly engaging. She brings a level of sophistication and cleverness to the narrative that elevates the entire investigation. Her interactions with the supporting cast are lively and layered, each encounter adding depth to the mystery while also revealing new facets of her character. It’s easy to root for her, and her presence brings a delightful sense of grace and intelligence to every scene.
The audiobook narration enhances the experience beautifully. The narrator’s pacing, tone, and expressiveness bring the characters vividly to life, capturing every ounce of tension, charm, and humor embedded in Mason’s writing. The voice work makes the setting feel richer and the mystery more immersive, turning what is already a great novel into a full auditory treat. It’s one of those audiobooks that makes you want to linger in the world it creates.
Overall, Murder at Millar’s Hotel is everything a cozy mystery lover could hope for: clever plotting, engaging characters, and a setting that wraps around you like a warm, suspenseful blanket. Kelly Mason has delivered an irresistible entry in the Lady Ellen series, and the audiobook format only adds to its appeal. A must-listen for fans of elegant mysteries and polished storytelling.
