With Murder in the Painted Mask, Lee Strauss once again proves why the Lady Ginger Gold Mysteries remain a favorite among fans of classic whodunits. Brimming with 1920s charm, witty dialogue, and atmospheric suspense, this twenty-seventh installment offers everything readers have come to love about Ginger Gold: elegance, intelligence, and a knack for unmasking murderers in the most glamorous settings imaginable.
A Masquerade of Secrets and Scandal
Lady Ginger Gold and her husband, Chief Inspector Basil Reed, journey to the English countryside to attend a New Year’s Eve masked ball hosted by Lady Horatia Zouch-Nettleby. The evening promises art, elegance, and sophistication, but beneath the glittering surface lies a web of secrets. A private auction is being held for paintings by the infamous artist Lucien Valentino, whose provocative portraits expose his subjects’ most scandalous sins. It’s a dangerous game of vanity and blackmail, and before the clock strikes midnight, Valentino is found dead in a gruesome tableau worthy of one of his own works.
A violent storm traps the guests inside the estate, cutting off all communication and escape routes. With electricity and telephones down, Ginger and Basil must rely on their sharp instincts and steady composure to sift through lies and uncover the truth. Every guest has something to hide, and nearly everyone has a motive. The tension builds as more bodies appear, turning the lavish masquerade into a deadly trap.
Locked-Room Mystery with 1920s Flair
Strauss captures the spirit of a golden-age mystery while adding her own signature sparkle. Fans of Agatha Christie will immediately feel at home in this story’s elegant yet claustrophobic setting, where every suspect is confined to a single location and every alibi is open to question. The storm-lashed mansion, masked guests, and flickering candlelight create a deliciously theatrical backdrop for the unfolding drama.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ensemble. Ginger and Basil remain the heart of the series steady, intelligent, and deeply affectionate toward one another. Supporting characters like Charles and Felicity add humor and warmth, while Ginger’s loyal dog, Boss, proves to be more than just a charming companion. His small but crucial discoveries lend the story a delightful touch of lightness amid the dark intrigue.
Why It Works So Well
Murder in the Painted Mask succeeds because Strauss never lets the familiar formula grow stale. Even twenty-seven books in, the writing feels fresh and the mysteries remain inventive. The dialogue crackles with wit, the period detail is immersive without ever feeling heavy-handed, and the pacing is brisk enough to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Each twist feels earned, and just when you think you have it figured out, Strauss delivers another clever misdirection. The final reveal is both surprising and satisfying, the kind of conclusion that makes you want to flip back through earlier chapters to see how you missed the clues.
Final Thoughts
Murder in the Painted Mask is everything a cozy historical mystery should be graceful, clever, and full of heart. It balances glamour and grit, sophistication and suspense, offering readers a captivating puzzle wrapped in velvet and lace.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Lady Ginger Gold or a newcomer to the series, this book is an absolute treat. Curl up with a cup of tea, let the jazz age atmosphere wash over you, and prepare for a mystery that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Elegant, suspenseful, and utterly charming a perfect addition to the Ginger Gold series.
