If you love A charming, twisty historical whodunit, Murder in Covent Garden is a must-read! Set in London during the summer of 1917, this novel drops you right into the heart of World War I—and while the war may rage in the background the secrets on the home front are just as dangerous.
This is the fourth book in Lee Strauss’s “Lady Gold Investigates” series, but don’t let that scare you if you haven’t read the others. Murder in Covent Garden stands confidently on its own, offering just enough backstory to get you settled without slowing down the mystery at its core.
Summary (Spoiler free)
Our amateur sleuth, Hannah Merrill, co-owns a charming little bookshop in Covent Garden with her formidable and fabulous Aunt Violet. From the very first page, I was completely charmed by their dynamic. Their shop is a cozy haven amidst the bustle of wartime London, filled with dusty shelves, secrets, and the occasional mysterious customer.
Enter: a mysterious, well-dressed Spanish gentleman who walks into the bookshop and sets things into motion. Not long after, a local jeweler is found dead—supposedly the victim of a robbery gone wrong. But Hannah isn’t buying it. She saw the jeweler arguing earlier that day with someone very familiar… a certain policeman now leading the investigation. Red flag, anyone?
Hannah, quick-witted and quietly courageous, doesn’t hesitate. If there’s corruption within the force—or worse—she’s not about to let the murder slide. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game through shadowy London streets, whispered secrets, and a trail of clues that lead Hannah closer to the truth—and deeper into danger.
Review
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
A delightful, twisty read with a strong sense of place and a heroine you’ll want to follow through many more mysteries.
The thing I love about Murder in Covent Garden is how effortlessly it blends the charm of a cozy mystery with the grit of historical fiction. There’s no gratuitous violence or gore—this is more tea and secrets than shootouts—but the tension is still palpable. Lee Strauss does a beautiful job of weaving in the realities of wartime London: food shortages, air raids, the changing roles of women, and the emotional toll of conflict on ordinary people. The setting doesn’t just support the plot—it enriches it.
And the mystery itself? Satisfyingly twisty. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, a new piece of the puzzle is revealed. The pacing is spot on—engaging from the very start, and building momentum right up to a reveal that had me flipping pages well past bedtime.
Characters You Will Love
I adored the cast of characters, especially the fearless and intelligent Hannah. She’s the kind of heroine I love—clever, curious, and just stubborn enough to dig into things even when everyone around her tells her to leave well enough alone! Aunt Violet brings elegance and edge in equal measure, and even the side characters are well-developed, with their own quirks and motivations.
Also, if you’re a fan of a slow burn romance thread tucked inside your mysteries, there are just enough emotional beats here to keep your heart fluttering between clues. Nothing overpowering, just the kind of subtle connection that makes you eager to follow these characters into future installments.
Final Thoughts
Murder in Covent Garden is a gem of a mystery—perfect for fans of Maisie Dobbs, Phryne Fisher, or anyone who craves a well-plotted whodunit with heart. Even if you’re new to the Lady Gold world, this entry makes a fantastic starting point.
The wartime setting adds emotional depth, and the cozy mystery elements keep it warm and familiar—even when the stakes are high. It’s a fast-paced, engaging, and thoughtful read with enough suspense to keep you guessing and enough charm to make you wish you could step inside the bookshop yourself.
