Death Among Diamonds (A Cressida Fawcett Mystery Book 1) – ARC Boko Review

Everyone in 1920s London knows the Honourable Cressida Fawcett: fiercely independent (though never apart from her little pug Ruby), lover of martinis and interior designer extraordinaire. She’s solved many crimes of fashion… so how about murder?

Cressida Fawcett is heading to the English countryside for a weekend of cocktails and partying at her friend’s glamorous mansion, the location of a recent diamond heist. But just hours after her arrival, Cressida is woken by an almighty scream. Rushing to the landing, she looks down into the great hall to find a trembling maid standing next to the body of Harry, the friendly young chandelier cleaner.

Everyone believes Harry’s death was an accident. But as Cressida examines the opulent hall and the beautiful grounds, she thinks something darker is afoot. Why clean a chandelier in the early hours of the morning? And who overheard Harry boasting about coming into unexpected wealth? A small piece of torn silk found near the body has Cressida looking at the guests’ elegant clothes with fresh eyes…

The short-tempered Detective insists that she keeps her curious nose out of the investigation, but it’s Cressida who realises the stolen diamonds were hidden in the sparkling chandelier. Convinced there is a connection between the theft and the murder, the case takes a sinister turn when a guest is killed in his sleep after a brandy-fuelled night of cards. With everyone unable to leave, can Cressida’s sharp eye for detail catch the killer before another life is taken?

If you are fan of Agatha Christie, then I would strongly recommend you try reading Death Among the Diamonds, the first book of A Cressida Fawcett mystery set in 1920’s London.

Everyone in London knows Honorable Cressida Fawcett. So one day, when Cressida is at a party at her friend Lady DottyChatterton, an accident happens inside the house which results in the death of a person. Soon the accident turned out to be a murder. Not to mention that a few days before the accident happened, Lady Chatterton’s diamonds went missing.Together with DCI Andrews, Cressida works to solve the mystery of the stolen diamonds and murder.

I do like the setting of the story and reading this story reminds me of those Agatha Christie novels I used to read. The story is also set in the elite circle as well, the 1920’s being the era of jazz and fashion. Besides the setting which I really enjoyed the most, I do like the writing as well and Cressida’s character is an amicable and likable character in my opinion. Truly enjoyed reading this and cannot wait for the second book! Worth four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.