A FASHIONABLE FATALITY

In the 1920s, aristocrats meet the preeminent fashion designer of their day. Complications ensue.

Accepting an invitation to visit her sister, Julia, the Marchioness of Allerton, in the Cotswolds, Phoebe Renshaw discovers that a fellow houseguest is the famous Coco Chanel, who has rudely invited her crew of models, seamstresses, and a photographer to join her. Another guest is the Earl of Chesterhaven, horse breeder and lady’s man, whom Coco has marked as her own. Phoebe’s maid, Eva Huntford, has joined her in several murder investigations, but neither expects problems at Allerton Place, though there’s clearly tension among Chanel’s crew—especially between longtime model Suzette Villiers and young newcomer India Vale, who’s not as naïve as she appears. Phoebe’s delighted when her boyfriend, wealthy mill owner Lord Owen Seabright, appears but then becomes annoyed by his overprotectiveness. A morning ride almost brings disaster when the inexperienced Suzette tries to prove she’s as good a rider as India, who takes a fall when Suzette crowds her at a jump. In the meantime, Coco presses Phoebe into service as a model for her new sportswear line and has many pictures taken of the stunning Julia in her designs, assuring them both that the photos will not be published. When a fire leaves Suzette dead of smoke inhalation, Phoebe and Eva find themselves once again in a murder hunt with a long list of suspects.

The addition of the notorious Chanel adds interest to a solid golden age–style mystery.