I don't usually read many mysteries, but who could resist this cover? Also I've met Shelley and she's delightful. This book was, too. She never falters with her heroine's Englishness in New York, and the story kept me guessing the whole time. Lots of ins and outs and intrigue, and lots of lovely dresses and cars. I loved her love life, too.

Poorly edited/written and thinly plotted but super long--I speed read to the end.

Characterization is flat and direct, dialogue clunky, and details trite.

I'm disappointed.

Here's a classic sentence: "The other sister--Maud or Effie--cried, "Oh, no," and threw her arms around the other sister and they clung to each other so closely that their masses of black curls and similar expressions evoked images of the two-headed lady Phil and Lily and Preswick had seen at Coney Island at the beginning of the summer." (60)

And then, shorter but still puzzling: "The look he shot Phil dared her not to comment." (352) In the context, he's daring her *to* comment.

So. Skip it, I'd say, even if you read a review suggesting it's a Downton Abbey sure hit!

"It looked like it was up to her alone to see justice done. And Lady Dunbridge was more than happy to oblige."

An even more amazing follow-up to an already amazing debut. Like Noble's first novel in the series, Tell Me No Lies has a wonderfully vivid cast of new characters and also brings back favourites from the last case.
 
I'm really starting to like Lady Dunbridge. It's hard for some writers to create a heroine that has a lot of poise and confidence without going over the edge and making them vain and pretty insipid to follow. I think Phil is a great example of overconfidence that just stops short of too much. The author also does a great job at giving her scenes with more meek characters to highlight the contrast between them.

That leads me to John Atkins, who may be the best love interest I've read about in a while. Please don't ask me why. There's no reason other than him being a teddy bear in a cop's clothes.

Nevermind. There's no reason.
 
Obviously I'm continuing with this series. And I'm really hoping Shelley Noble does the same. 

It was fine.

TELL ME NO LIES by Shelley Noble
The Second Lady Dunbridge Mystery

Free of the constraints of British High Society Lady Philomena Dunbridge is happy with her new life in New York City. A late night turns into an early morning when her host of the night before arrives before breakfast requesting her help. Another guest has had an unfortunate "accident" and is dead. Thrilled to look into matters Phil soon determines the young man was murdered, and powers higher than expected want the matter closed. Bringing Detective Sergeant Atkins on board, Phil is determined to help, much to his annoyance. Along with her plucky maid and loyal butler, Phil will join the high society bankers, businessmen, and their families to discover just who killed the heir to the Fauks fortune.

TELL ME NO LIES is a delightful mystery set within the posh backdrop of Gilded Age New York. I adore Phil. Though she may be a Countess, and a dowager at that, Phil is down to earth and well able to mingle with all classes and values the importance of them all. She is shrewd, loyal, and discerning, while also being capable of great fun. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Phil also knows her limitations and strives to learn more, but is well aware when she needs to bring in help. I'm almost as drawn to Mr. X as she is. I like that his identity is still a secret and am curious just how many players there are. Is he the one supporting her in her new mission? Or is he working for that party? And what of Detective Adkins? Whatever the case, I enjoy the romantic overtones both bring to the page. Lily and Preswick also bring a great deal to the page. They are not just devoted servants, they are family and I love that Phil realizes this. Just a Friend is a great addition to the team and I'm delighted that several of the colorful characters from the first book are not only back, but back to help!

The mystery itself in this second Lady Dunbridge Mystery was fascinating. Just why was the young heir killed? Revenge for past deeds, business gone bad, love turned sour? I was as much at a loss as Lady Dunbridge. The stock market, banking, economics, war, how do these matters fit in? Do they? Although a historical mystery the themes and issues are as relevant today as they were then and readers should take note.

TELL ME NO LIES is a historical novel that has it all, comedy, romance, an intricately laid mystery, well developed characters, and a thrilling chase scene! I wait in eager anticipation for Lady Dunbridge's next adventure!

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.

Mixed bag. Don't love the characters, but am intrigued enough to have read two books in the series.

I liked this one the best so far of the series! It can be hard to follow along with all the characters but it definitely was a gripping read